UEFA has assigned an official for ethical and disciplinary matters to probe accusations of a racial insult aimed at Real Madrid striker Vinícius Júnior during the Champions League playoff game on Tuesday at Benfica.
Vinícius netted the sole goal in the initial match at the Estádio da Luz but, amidst his celebrations, got entangled in an altercation with players from Benfica, such as Gianluca Prestianni, claiming the Argentinian midfielder had been racist.
The game was halted for 10 minutes subsequent to the referee triggering UEFA’s anti-discrimination guidelines.
The 20-year-old attacker could receive a possible 10-match suspension if convicted of discriminatory misconduct as per UEFA’s code of discipline.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been named to examine claims of prejudicial conduct during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 elimination playoff between Club Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026,” stated a UEFA communiqué.
Prestianni, 20, has refuted Vinicius’ assertions on social media, declaring that the Brazil international “misunderstood what he thinks he heard.”
Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé asserted he overheard Prestianni utter the word “monkey” towards Vinícius five times.
ESPN has been informed by sources that Vinícius is in good spirits and is deeply appreciative of the backing he has received from his club and fellow players, especially regarding Mbappé. Mbappé was among the initial Madrid players to step in to defend Vinícius.
The French star was filmed soon after the supposed incident by Spanish TV Movistar+ cameras, challenging Prestianni on the field and leveling charges of racism against him.
Addressing journalists following the match, Mbappé expressed he “felt deep pain for Vinícius” and simultaneously insisted on measures being adopted against Prestianni.
– Seedorf on Mourinho’s Vinícius response: Error to vindicate racial abuse
– Trent Alexander-Arnold demands ‘equity’ after Vinícius Jr. charge of racism
– Kylian Mbappé: ‘I heard’ racial insults of Vinícius Júnior
Benfica, concurrently, have contended that Madrid players would have been unable to perceive supposed racial insults due to the din at the stadium and the separation among the athletes.
Ex-Benfica skipper Luisão was among those who reprimanded the Portuguese side’s position.
Benfica will face Madrid at the Bernabéu in the second leg on Feb. 25, requiring to overcome a 1-0 initial match disadvantage.
Details provided by ESPN’s Gustavo Hofman assisted in compiling this report.